Seeds of Change - Women in Agriculture

Hulisani Mukwevho is an Agricultural Underwriter at Land Bank Insurance Company with a deep passion for sustainable farming, agricultural risk management, and food security. She is driven by a strong work ethic and an eagerness to learn, constantly seeking to expand her knowledge and understanding within the agricultural sector through academic research. Hulisani believes in empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to mitigate risks while embracing environmentally responsible practices.

In her role as an Agricultural Underwriter at Land Bank Insurance, Hulisani plays a crucial part in assessing and managing risks related to farming and agriculture. Her main responsibility is to facilitate the transfer of risk and provide financial protection to farmers, helping them manage uncertainties and secure their livelihoods against potential losses.

Based at the Centurion head office, Hulisani’s key responsibilities include analysing factors such as weather patterns, crop types, market prices, and farming practices to assess the potential risks associated with insuring specific agricultural operations. She evaluates insurance applications from farmers, determines coverage terms, and sets premiums based on the assessed risks.

Additionally, she manages a portfolio of agricultural insurance policies, monitoring their performance to ensure profitability. Hulisani also focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with brokers, farmers, and other key stakeholders in the agricultural industry. To maintain accuracy in her risk assessments and policy underwriting, she stays informed about changes in agricultural practices, technology, regulations, and market conditions.

"I was raised around small-scale farmers and saw firsthand that agriculture is an essential industry, playing a pivotal role in sustaining livelihoods," Hulisani explains. "Agriculture, as a career, provides the opportunity to make a visible and positive impact on our communities and contributes globally through rural development and food security. The field also offers diverse career opportunities ranging from traditional farming to finance, insurance, research, and technological innovation."

Hulisani’s passion for agriculture began early when she chose to attend an agricultural high school. There, she learned the fundamentals of agriculture, which inspired her to pursue a degree in Agricultural Economics. Today, she holds a Master’s qualification in Agricultural Economics.

Her professional career began as an Agricultural Insurance Underwriting Graduate, where she gained a wealth of knowledge in agricultural insurance, further expanding her horizons in the field. Hulisani has had the privilege of travelling to several countries, learning about different agricultural practices, insurance offerings, and the challenges faced by diverse communities. Along the way, she has also learned from experienced farmers, innovative researchers, and passionate advocates of sustainable agriculture—each interaction enriching her understanding of this vital sector.

One significant achievement in Hulisani’s career has been her role in product development for small-scale farmers who were previously uninsured. She contributed to creating products specifically tailored to meet the needs and constraints of these farmers, ensuring that the offerings were both accessible and affordable.

Reaching this point in her career, where she stands as a confident professional, capable of sharing agricultural insurance knowledge with various audiences, is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace opportunities for growth. It also serves as a reminder that even the most introverted individuals can find their voice and make a meaningful impact.

To young women aspiring to make their mark in agriculture, Hulisani offers this advice: "Embrace the diversity within the agricultural space. Agriculture is far more than just farming—it's a broad and ever-evolving field that presents a wide range of exciting career paths. Don’t limit yourself to traditional roles; explore the many opportunities available and find your niche. Educate yourself, build relationships within the industry, and most importantly, be confident and persistent. Don’t be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself."

By stepping into this industry, young women not only advance their own careers but also inspire future generations, ensuring a more inclusive and diverse agricultural sector. "Agriculture is a vital industry that feeds the world and sustains many other industries. Your contributions can make a real difference, so keep going and embrace the challenges along the way."

Hulisani’s vision for the future of agriculture is one of sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity, where food production supports a growing population while safeguarding the environment and uplifting everyone involved in the food system.